December 2016
Lenham Guides See what they do!
New Years Eve in Lenham Square
Local Property Market 6 months from Brexit
Page 17
Page 52
Page 53
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DECEMBER
Editorial Now we are well into the festive
Also this month we have the welcome
season we would like to wish all our
return of the Focus on Nature series
readers, contributors, advertisers and
by Derek Budge plus a new occasional
distributors a very merry Christmas
series on the local housing market by
and we would like to thank you for all
Philip Jarvis.
your help and support over the last year and look forward to a New Year
We also have a call to all villagers to
with you.
join in the New Years Eve celebration in the Square at midnight.
This month we have a feast of festive information including the
Finally if you have already had
latest article for GB Listers about
enough of Christmas then the
alternatives to turkey, a Lenham
Lenham Family Festival is looking to
tea towel being sold to support local
plan next year’s event. See the article
charity and a range of Christmas
inside on how you can help out.
concerts and carol services.
By James Collett
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Editorial: James Collett 07927 308740 | editorialslf@gmail.com
Proofing: Jayne Hewish, Katy B
Advertising: Katy B, Jim Myers 07593 340744 | advertslf@gmail.com
Interviews: Jim Myers
Finance: Mark Dunbar 07808863227 | lenhamfocusinvoices@ gmail.com
Social Media: Georgia Hewish Printed by: Mike Kingsman, Gemini Print
Distribution: Gez Clark 07784 447200
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Print & Deliver Single Sided A5 Insert Double Sided A5 Insert
£250 £275
Photography: Andy Flood
Design: FALCON
Andy has been providing photography to the focus since the launch of the new design. Consistently he has provided amazing shots, especially the front covers.
Falcon is an award winning design and digital agency based in Kent. They build websites and brands for companies big and small.
Check out his website! www.andyfloodphotography.co.uk
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Dates for your Diary 3 December
14 December
Winter Concert
Christmas Carol Concert for Heart of
Enjoy a winter concert with Christmas
Kent Hospice
theme, Headcorn Village hall 7pm
With Peter Brice and his Christmas Choir at St Mary’s Church, West Malling from 6:30pm
11 December Christmas Fancy Dress Fun Run Come and take part or simply support this event in aid of the Heart of Kent Hospice.
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Council Corner
F
We are undertaking periodic visits in the evening checking street lights, please keep reporting these, potholes and other issues to us or visit the
urther to last month’s article,
http://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-
construction has now begun
travel/report-a-problem to pin point
on the scheme to improve
problems, report and track them.
the River Medway towpath between Barming Bridge and Aylesford Bridge
Can we thank all the volunteers from
to encourage cycling and walking. The
the village who, over the year have
Maidstone cycle forum meets regularly
given their time for others and to wish
and residents who are interested in
all residents a peaceful and relaxing
getting involved can contact Paul on
Christmas.
PaulHarper@maidstone.gov.uk or James on JamesWillis@maidstone.
After recently watching the film Pay it
gov.uk
Forward, can we ask that a great new year’s resolution idea is when a good
We are continuing to gain signatures
turn is done for you, instead of paying
for a petition to implement a 20
it back, pay it forward to three other
mph speed limit on the four roads
people. That way the good turn goes
leading to the square. This is being
on.
done in conjunction with another petition within the borough and
Please don’t hesitate to contact us
will be presented at the appropriate
with concerns on 01622 859412 or
committee in early 2017.
tomsamscllr7@gmail.com
We are also working with the
Janetta & Tom
Borough Council officers and parish Councillors on the parking issues around the village.
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Forthcoming Events
11 Dec
Children’s Xmas Party (2 - 11 years) 11.30am – 2pm. Tickets only
Christmas and New Year’s Eve 7pm to late. Members & Guests Only All ticket events. No ticket, no entry
Bingo: every Tuesday and Sunday Night 8pm Quiz Night: first Tuesday of every month Whist Drive: every Friday 7.30pm Summer Beer Garden, Monthly Sea Angling Club Outside Bar, Marque, BBQ & Bouncy Castle for Hire
Members and Guests Only. All eventsand start at 8pm. Private Hire. very Tuesday Sunday Night Private Hire. veryTuesday Tuesday and Sunday Night
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BALLROOM & LATIN CLASSES WEEKLY GROUP CLASSES £5/person
Monday 5.45 - 6.45 : Children’s Ballroom & Latin (8-16yrs) 7.30 - 8.15 : Adult’s Ballroom & Latin (Beginners)
GDC School of Dancing Lenham Dance Studios 8 Faversham Road Lenham Kent ME17 2PN Tel: 01622 850 800 Mob: 07831 718 628 Follow us: Twitter@GDCdancing Facebook/GDCSchoolofDancing www.gdcschoolofdancing.co.uk
8.15 - 9.00 : Adult’s Ballroom & Latin (Intermediate) Wednesday 4.30 - 5.15 : Under 8’s Ballroom & Latin (4-8yrs)
PLUS Wednesday Zumba Classes £5/person 8.15 - 9.00 : Zumba Fitness (12yrs+ only) Private lessons also available for individuals and couples, please contact the Studio for more information
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Socialise with the Focus + Code for Sustainable Homes + SAP Assessments
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Find us on Facebook facebook.com/LenhamFocus
All this from one plumber! Bathroom Installations Drains & toilets serviced General domestic plumbing Leaking pipes Replacement taps Kitchen installations Repairs and installation Power Flushing
Tiling Painting Decorating Odd jobs No job too small Fully insured FREE quotes No call out cost
and friendly professional advice 11/12/16 & 08/01/17
T: 01622 851186 M: 0791 438 0521 info@allfixplumbing.co.uk www.allfixplumbing.co.uk
12
Clubs & Societies
Medway area, by Jim Preston.
Lenham Gardening Society
about Roman Villas in Kent.
There was a big welcome back for an
Dec. meeting is a shared supper and
old friend of the LGS, Sue Scrivens, as
social get together for members.
Our meeting on Nov 30th 7.30 pm in the Osborne room is a talk by Keith Parfitt
our October speaker who gave a very interesting and humorous talk on ‘Herbs
Jan. will start 2017 with short talks from
for every use’ , illustrated with many
members.
great pictures taken in her garden and amusing anecdotes. The talk was much
Then hopefully a talk the following
appreciated by the members.
month by Ross Lane from Canterbury
Reminder that there is no meeting in
Trust on the site and findings under the
December, our next meeting will be on
Co-Op.
19th January 2017. The competition will be ‘A Homemade Calendar’ and/or
Hopefully we can find some interesting
‘Bunch of Hedgerow Foliage’. We will
and reasonable speakers for the months
also be collecting the subs for 2017 which
to come in 2017.
will remain at £7 per person. We look forward to seeing you all next
We had an extra short meeting on Oct
year and hopefully some new members.
26th to discuss how the Group would
So it just remains for me, on behalf of the
go ahead next year. We are growing
Committee, to wish you all a very Happy
dangerously low in funds and need more
Christmas and a Healthy New Year.
members to keep going.
Keith
We decided that membership would have
Chair LGS
to increase to £15 per year.
Lenham Heritage
How observant are you of features in Lenham? We have a local rock called
Our last meeting in October was a very
Bethersden marble that was formed
interesting talk on Aviation in the
in ancient inland freshwater lakes.
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Weald Clay is made up of soft shale and
check out the stones in our church too,
mudstone with bands of this freshwater
particularly the top of St Mary’s Church
limestone (the term ‘marble’ being
wall, if you go with a hand lens it easier to
used as the stone is capable of taking a
see the shells.
polish) which is also known as Paludina
Next month I will show you another
limestone, Sussex Marble, Winklestone,
feature you may not have noticed in
Charlwood Stone, Laughton Marble,
Lenham.
and Petworth Marble. In Lenham there
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
are various places where you can find
Lesley Feakes 8502745
examples. There used to be some near
Royal British Legion Women’s Section
Yew tree cottage but it has been removed . Hopefully this piece will always stay in place ….do you know where it is? The small circles are the shells of a
As we do not meet this month the
fossilised freshwater snail Paludina.
Committee wish you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful new year. This year has been rather upsetting having been told we will come under the jurisdiction of the men’s branch. However some information has come to light and more will be forthcoming during the year. However we will continue as usual during the coming year until September 2017. We have had a successful year with three
The sheen or polish is quite noticeable
well supported talks. A talk about Bruges
and will get more so as the passage of
Sa’s plus another talk on make up for over
numerous feet tend to polish it even
forties, a lunch at Red Lion, Garden Party
more. The yellow leaves from particular
combined meeting with the men’s branch
trees give a clue ……as to where it is.
who organised a quiz. Finally the AGM.
If you look in Chilham church, there is
All in all a happy organisation with well
a memorial to the Digges family that
supported meetings.
is made from Bethersden marble. And
Enid LaPlain
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Lenham WI
Young At Heart 60+
Our October talk, ‘Made in Maidstone
We have been so lucky with the weather.
‘proved to be fascinating. We did not
I was in Folkestone on Wednesday
really know what to expect, and were
02/11/16 with my family and the sea
amazed to discover how much history
was as calm as a mill pond and beautiful
has been made in, or connected to
sunshine. Hope you are all making the
Maidstone. Did you know that the Treaty
most of it.
of Versailles was written on paper that was made in Maidstone?
We are meeting on Thursday 15/12/16 2.00-4.00 pm at the Community Centre.
In November we are anticipating a talk
This is your Christmas Party so make
on Silver Jewellery. Those members who
sure you have your dancing shoes on.
attended the District Meeting in October
Hope you can make it.
were able to hear another evocative talk, ‘A Wealden Woman’s War’.
If you require a lift please phone Jenny
This was an account of one lady’s war and
on 01622 859208.
the experience of running a pub when the war ended.
Sue, Anne, Martin, Jacky, Kath, Jackie, Olive, Fred, Jenny and Nina
We all thoroughly enjoyed the evening,
Len Valley Community Hub Club
and were encouraged to write down our own experiences so that future generations could see life as we knew it. Our December speaker will be telling us
I am sorry I was away in October. My
‘It’s Good to Laugh’, so be prepared for a
family and I met up in Hythe and had
very amusing talk.
another day by the sea. Bright sunshine but a lot colder.
May I take this opportunity to wish you
We are meeting on Thursday 01/12/16
all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful
2.00-4.00 pm at the Social Club it will be
and Prosperous New Year from Lenham
our Christmas Party.
W.I. Gill Simes
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Tuesday 13/12/16 is the Panto. Details will
The last session this year will be held on
be given out at the Christmas Party. Look
Wednesday 14th December, re-starting
forward to seeing you all.
on 11th January 2017. Same place -
A big thank you to all our helpers.
Lenham Community Centre, same time 9.30am, please come a few minutes early
If you need a lift please phone Jenny on
to enrol.
01622 859208. Fred, Jenny, Martin and Nina
Unfortunately, the cost will be increased to £5 a session from next year. It’s still
Zumba Gold
cheaper than anywhere else in the area, and real value for money.
Zumba Gold has been running for almost
So please come along and have a go, why
a year now with a positive response to the
not bring a friend? You never know you
benefits this weekly exercise programme
may enjoy the experience and feel good
gives to people.
afterwards.
Run in conjunction with ‘Dance Vision of Ashford’ who provide the highly trained
On behalf of Dance Vision and Lenara we
and motivated instructors, the sessions
wish you a very happy Christmas and a
last just under an hour and leaves the
fantastic and healthy New Year.
participants feeling invigorated and fit.
Keith
Heart of Kent Hospice Christmas Fayre
located at the Heart of Kent Hospice site in Aylesford with an array of food and gift stalls as well as Santa’s Grotto and our café serving Christmas treats. Entry is by suggested donation of £2.00 – children free!
Preston Hall, Aylesford Kent ME20 7PU Saturday 10th December 10 am – 3 pm
For further information contact Maddy Boyle on 01622 790195 /visit www.hokh.
Come along to our Christmas Fayre and
org or email fundraising@hokh.co.uk
support your local Hospice. Our Fayre is
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Girls - A Big Welcome Awaits You
cakes. We play games and interact with our friends and other girls at Guides. You can go on trips like camping and hikes. I recently went with two other Guides on a County challenge hike. We managed to navigate ourselves round
If you are aged between 10 – 15 years
L
the route without getting lost and we had challenges along the way too. One of these challenges was to prepare
enham Guides meets on
a jam sandwich and ice a cup cake
Friday evenings, 7pm -9pm
blindfolded!
at the Lenham Community
Centre. If you want to make new
We all work in Patrols at Guides and
friends, learn new skills, enjoy the
have loads of fun and gain confidence
outdoors and have fun then come
in doing all kinds of activities.
along.
If you are interested in your daughter joining Guides just register her
Here is what Sophie Keene, a Lenham
interest on www.girlguiding.org.uk
Guide, says
or to find out more about your local
Here at Guides you can do a lot of fun
Guide unit contact Julia Thomsett on
activities such as cooking. We have
01622 859009.
made apple crumbles in a mug and made and decorated Xmas and Easter
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01622 850376 The Brown Barn, Bull Hill, Lenham Heath, Kent, ME17 2JA off the A20.
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Village & Country Homes Specialists Residential Sales & Lettings
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Step by step guidance to help you work through your concerns and bring about the change you desire.
Tel: 07711 945897 Or 01233 714059
lynn@counsellingashford.org.uk http://www.counsellingashford.org.uk RELATIONSHIP AND GENERAL COUNSELLING ALSO AVAILABLE
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10% DISCOUNT and FREE DELIVERY for senior citizens on Tuesdays. Tel: 01622 858220 Email: gblister@live.com 13 The Square, Lenham, Maidstone, ME17 2PQ
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weddings as well as private and corporate
01622 763269
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cold buffets and afternoon tea. No function too large or too small
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At Castle View Restaurant, our aim is to cook the best traditional ingredients as simply as possible and let the quality of the produce and the magnificent views across the Castle's moat speak for themselves. The oak-beamed 17th Century setting, offers diners a relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views from the terrace of the 900 year old Leeds Castle beautifully lit at night. To book a table call 01622 767766 or visit leeds-castle.com/restaurant
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Family Breakfast Service
Festive Winter Menu Monday 14th November until Saturday 24th December 2016 Served daily 12pm to 9.30pm Lunch 3 course £25pp (2 course available Monday toThursday £20pp) 3 course Dinner Mon-Thu £28pp, Fri & Sat £30pp Sundays booking available from 5pm, £25pp
SHORT INFORMAL SERVICE SUNDAYS AT 9.30am St Mary’s Church, Lenham
Please see website for our delicious menu www.elitepubs.com Early Christmas midweek offer: Monday 14th November until Thursday 1st December £21pp, 3 courses, lunch or dinner
FOR EVERYONE! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!
Early Christmas weekend offer: Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, Friday 25th & Saturday 26th November, Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd December £25 per person, 3 courses, lunch or dinner Late Christmas offer: Thursday 5th & Friday 6th January, Monday 9th until Friday 13th January £21 per person Saturday 7th & Saturday 14th January £25 per person, 3 courses, lunch or dinner
THE
D I R T Y H A B I T
Upper Street, Hollingbourne, Kent ME17 1UW 01622 880 880 www.thedirtyhabit.net
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Councillor Vacancy
T
and ability to work alongside fellow councillors and outside bodies. The applicant should show an ability
he Parish Council has a
and willingness to attend meetings of
vacancy for the south ward
the council (or the meetings of other
which can be filled by co-
local authorities and local bodies) in
option. We are par-ticularly interested
the evenings and events occa-sionally
to hear from parishioners in the
at weekends. Applicants should be
hamlets of Lenham Heath, Sandway
flexible and enthusiastic with the
and Platts Heath.
ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
The eligibility criteria are pursuant to s.79 of the Local Government Act 1972
The role is interesting and varied
(“the 1972 Act�)
and full training is available. More
Candidates should not be disqualified
details are available on the web-
pursuant to s.80 of the 1972 Act. Full
site lenhamparish.org.uk or contact
details will be provided on application.
the Clerk Margo McFarlane 01622 859682
The person specification suggests
(9am -1pm Mon -Fri) if you prefer
an applicant should have sound
email hello@lenhamparish.org.uk
knowledge and under-standing of local affairs and provide experience, skills
Lenham Family Festival
A
the 2017 event. If you are new to the village and haven’t heard of the Lenham Family Festival before, this is an annual
fter a break of several
event that takes place over a weekend
months, the Lenham Family
in June. The aim of the Festival is
Festival Committee has met
to provide a fun event that brings
for the first time to start planning for
the whole community together, is
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affordable for families, and will raise
Katie Piper Foundation‘s aim is “to
funds for the chosen charities that are
have a world where scars do not limit
selected each year.
a person’s function, social inclusion or sense of well being ”. The charity
The main day of the 2017 Festival will
does a fantastic job in helping people
take place on Saturday 10th June 2017.
with burns and scars to reconnect with
As usual there will be a large variety
their lives and their communities.
of stalls in the Community Centre car
Look out for the announcement of
park, refreshments for sale, and music
our second charity for 2017 in next
from local bands. In addition, there
month’s issue of the Focus.
will be performances from various local groups, including dance and
Festival Committee meetings will now
theatricals, inside the Community
be taking place on the last Monday of
Centre.
each month at 7.15pm in the Appleton Room at the Community Centre. If you
The City of Rochester Symphony
are interested in becoming involved,
Orchestra will also be returning for
you will be most welcome.
another performance to be held in The
Look out for further details in each
Tithe Barn. Please note that this will
month’s edition of the Lenham Focus
take place the following weekend, on
but most importantly...
Friday 17 June 2017. Make sure you put these dates in your We are pleased to announce the
diaries now!!! You don’t want to miss
first of our two charities chosen this
this exciting event.
year - The Katie Piper Foundation. If you are a regular reader of The Lenham Focus then you may have already heard about how our very own Danielle Branch has received help and support from this lesser known, but very deserving, charity. We would like to raise its profile further and provide it with some much needed funds. The
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Ragwort
a long article on growing a slug proof
A
attractive native species but I would
garden and one chapter includes
few months ago there was an
never recommend growing ragwort .
article published in “Lenham
Hang on a minute too…was the writer
Focus” extolling the beauty
suggesting that horses should be
of ragwort . Yes, it looks pretty but it is
allowed to graze in ragwort infested
a slow killer for grazing animals!
fields? They may not appear to eat
There is no getting away from that
ragwort, it has a bad taste, but some
fact.
horses do start accepting that taste and although outwardly they may
Senecio jacobea ( synonym Jacobea
not show signs of poisoning for many
vulgaris )
years, it is accumulative and slowly the liver is damaged.
Yes, the flowers of ragwort are quite striking and the plants are never eaten
How would you like to end your life
by slugs. I am in the process of writing
going blind, fighting for breath and
26
staggering around not being able to say
Yes, some birds, such as Great tits ,
how you suffer?
eat the cinnabar caterpillars that feed on ragwort . “Oh, but the chemical
My advice if you keep horses, or any
doesn’t hurt them” you might say ….but
grazing animal for that matter, is to
passerine birds have very short lives
cut or pull the ragwort when it is still
anyway so how can one tell without
green and burn the heads before they
extensive research? Horses can live
have a chance to seed.
to be over 25 years if they are healthy, cows rarely beyond 15-20 years,
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are the toxic
although an Irish one holds the record
chemicals and they persist even in dry
at 49 years!
plants which is why ragwort in hay is dangerous.
But that would only be if their owners take care and I am pleased to say our
Horses can even develop a taste for
farmers in Lenham are good, very
ragwort whilst it is still green just as
watchful and caring for their animals.
some people might develop a taste for
If you read all the articles on the net
say, green chillies …whilst other people
also take care, they do not always have
can’t stand them!
valid facts and are sometimes just “opinions”.
I am not saying chillies are ever poisonous (they are good for you) but
Lesley Feakes
am just using the analogy .
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The Red Lion - Lenham 01622 858531 www.redlionlenham.co.uk
A Traditional 14th Century Inn located in the Medieval Village of Lenham Home Cooked food served daily. Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm & 6-9pm Sat & Sun 12-9pm including bank holidays Senior Citizens Specials Hot Stone Dining Experience Traditional Log Fires Cask Marque Awarded Real Ales Function Room Available Monthly Quiz & Theme Nights Mobile Bars & Catering service available for hire
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Visit Our Showroom 4 Ashmill Business Park, Ashford Road (A20), Lenham ME17 2GQ
Bi-folds Doors Roof Lanterns Composite Doors
Established 25 Years, Family Business.
01622 851400 | 07973 669590
KSEHomeImprovementsWT175.indd 1
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09/08/2016 14:34
Regular Daily & Weekly Events Daily
Activate Fitness Facilites
Monday
Badminton (Feathers) Bell Ring Monday Music Mayhem Parent & Toddlers Group Len ARA Short Mat Bowls Harr & Lenham Cubs Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Youth Club H/sham & Lenham Cubs H/sham & Lenham Beavers Lenham Youth Club Pilates classes
Activate Sports Swadelands
Sunday
Messy Mums Babies + Toddlers Line Dancing LenARA Bridge Club Brownies 2nd Lenham Pilates classes Line Dancing Redbacks Explorer Scouts Guides 1st Lenham H/sham&Lenham Scouts Judo Club Lenham Youth Club Activate Fitness Facilites French Books for Children Tea/Coffee/Cakes Sunday Schools
7am-8.30am & 5pm-9pm Community Centre 8-10.00pm St Mary’s Church 7:30pm Community Centre 10-11am Community Centre 9.30-11.30am Community Centre 1.45pm-4.30pm (8-11 years) 6.30-8pm Community Centre 8pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Lenham Primary School 6:30-8:00pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 5:45-7:15pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.00-9.30pm Community Centre 7.00pm-8.00pm 8.30-9.30pm St Mary’s Church 10.30-12 Term Community Centre 7.30-9.00pm Community Centre 1.30-4.30pm Lenham Primary Sch 6.15-7.45pm Community Centre 11.30-12.30pm St Edmunds Platts Hth 8pm Kingswood Scout Hut 7.15-9.15pm Community Centre 7.00-9.00pm Harrietsham Scout Hut 7.30-9.30pm Community Centre 5.30-8.30pm Swadelands Ham Lane 7.30-10.00pm Activate Sports Hall Swadelands 8am-5pm Harrietsham Primary School 9.30-11.30am St Mary’s Church 10.00-12.00 see separate church services page
2nd Tuesday 1st Tuesday 1st Wednesday 4th Wednesday Last Wednesday 1st Thursday 2nd Thursday 3rd Thursday 2nd Sunday
Royal British Legion Lenham Valley Parish Council Meeting LenARA (active retired) Archaeology Club Reading Group Women’s Institute Lenham Gardening Soc. Lenham Country Market
Lenham Social Club Business Association Community Centre Community Centre Community Centre Lenham Library Community Centre Community Centre The Village Square
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
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8pm 6-8pm 7.30pm 2pm 7.30pm 4.45-5.45pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 9-1.00pm
Advertiser Numbers Accounting & Business Services Alarm Systems Architectural Services Barbers Builders/decorators
Butchers/Meat Carpentry Carpets/Flooring Caterers Catteries Chartered Surveyor Childminder Chimney Sweep Chiropody Cleaning/Housekeeping Coal Merchant Computer Services Dance Dog Grooming Dressmaking & Alterations Electricians/Gas fitters Estate Agents Fitness Foot Practitioner Funeral Directors Garages
Stonebridge Associates Cybereye Security Kent Design Studio Sweeney Todd Andy and Paul Apollo Elwood (Painter/decorators) KRS Building/decorating KSE Home Improvements Stuttle Dyer (painters/decorators) G B Lister Carpentry and General Building P Humpries Carpets direct Beaubray Caterers Little Dene Boarding Cattery Inkstand cattery James Collett Debbie Brett Invicta Chimney Sweep Heather’s Chiropody Surgery Amy McLaughlin Phynix Domestic cleaning Edmed Coal Harrietsham Computers Lynn MS Computer services Lenham Ballet School GDC School of Dancing Cuts for Mutts Pam Barrie Weston Contractor MGI Electrical Philip Jarvis Activate Body and Soul Mrs Afsaneh Smith Kristina Smith A W Court Gowers Garage
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851542 858612 01580 230413 07734950329 850437 07808414965 01634308933 851126 851400 01233 840004 858220 850364 858719 01233714999 763269 858510 859469 850608 01233714247 01622 632641 850376 07813030527 880028 260515 859442 745654 859969 850329 850800 07738 088169 858827 01233712663 850055 01622 858241 853750 01622 853640 07882 170231 850840 858210
Grocers Hairdressers Hall Hire Locksmiths Logs Nail Technician Osteopathy Parish Council Pest Control Photographer Plumbers Pool Services Pubs Restaurant Riding School Schools Solar Panel Installation Solicitors Takeaway Taxi TV Aerials Veterinary Surgery Will Services Window Cleaning
Lenham Village Store Phase Hairdressing Smarty’s Lenham Comm Centre Charing Heath Hall A Short Seasoned Logs Beauty Nails Chris Tempest D.O. M.Ost GOsc Reg Lenham Parish Council Pest Purge Andy Flood Photography All Fix Plumbing Epic Plumbimg Pure Plumbing J W Engineering Services Dirty Habit Lenham Social Club Red Lion Leeds Castle Uplands Riding School Lorenden Greenman Solar Setfords Solicitors Thorneloe & Co. Chequers Fish Bar Arshed Mahmood Gez Clark R & P TV Aerial services Harrietsham Vets Maidstone Wills and trusts Sparkles
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858255 850001 851150 853800 01233 713317 07738658751 07733328715 07460 393777 07749 980096 01622 859682 842481 07443 633385 851186 210298 769722 851713 880880 858890 858531 767777 01233 712289 01795590030 01233 612082 01622 231784 859416 859878 07770725129 07784447200 631717 858666 01580 292320 07856 110682
General / Social Numbers Badminton Badminton Club Feathers Bowling Club Bridge Club Brownies (2nd Lenham) Drama Gardening Society Guides (1st Lenham) LenARA Lenham Badminton Club Lenham Heritage Lenham Nursery School Lenham Players Lenham Wanderers Lenham Social Club Harrietsham & Lenham Beavers Harrietsham and Lenham Scouts Harrietsham and Lenham Cubs Mothers’ Union Pilates Classes Redback Explorer Scouts Royal British Legion Women’s Institute St Edmunds Platts Heath Country Ways Quilters Lenham Valley Business Association Borough Councillors: Kent Highway Services Dog Warden Cat Protection Drugs Helpline Heaths Countryside Corridor Lenham Country Market Lenham Community Centre Lenham Heath Parish Hall LenValley Practice Non-Emergency NHS Care Member of Parliament Parish Council Clerk Parish Police PCSO Rural Community Warden Vicar
Linda Bird Neil Rouse Lyn Fuller Keith Rylands Andrea French Gail Kelly Keith Varney Mrs J Thomsett Christine Godden Mrs Pat Abson Lesley Feakes Sarah Siddons Janet Moll Russell Young Club Events Duncan Keenan Nick Still Mrs A Seales Mrs J Thomsett Vivien Elcomb Mark Horlock Mr W Peter Mrs C Toner Karen Yardley Rosemary Waldron Alan Reading Tom Sams Janetta Sams (Roads, Pavements) Lost and Found FREE CALL Ruth Lovering Kevin Fitzsimons Margaret Mitchell Sharon Reed Doctors Surgery NHS Helen Whately MP Margo McFarlane John Boyd Martin Sherwood Rev Millie Hart Church Office
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01233 756762 01622 840207 01622 851538 01622 891964 01622 851646 01622 850671 01622 850228 01622 859009 01622 858658 01622 858561 01622 850275 07967 128056 01622 850747 07594 206818 01622 858890 07768 926654 01622 859789 01622 859829 01622 859009 01622 853887 07789 226516 01622 850520 01622 850048 01622 858208 01233 622271 01622 820841 01622 859412 07891901831 / 859412 03000 418181 01622 602117 01732 847572 0800 776600 01622 842257 01622 679709 01622 853800 (am) 01622 858581 (pm) 01233 713317 01622 858341/859204 111 helenwhately.co.uk 01622 859682 07870 252421 07977 981993 297296 850604
Lenham Ballet School
LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
R.A.D. Ballet I.S.T.D. Tap & Modern 3 years to senior level
Meetings are held at the Lenham Community Centre at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Planning Committee first Monday of the month (except bank holiday)
Adult Tap & Street Dance
01622 850329
more than a ballet school
www.lenhamballetschool.co.uk
Parish Council first Wednesday of the month (except September) Finance & General Purposes Committee third Wednesday of the month followed by the Planning Committee.
LenhamBalletSchoolWT168.indd 1
20/01/2016 09:32
For more details contact the Parish Clerk 01622 859682 (between 9am and 1pm)
Advertise to 2000 people from £13pm.
hello@lenhamparish.org.uk lenhamparish.org.uk
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01622 260515 | 07976 688437 edmecltd@edmedcoal.co.uk www.edmedcoal.co.uk
35
Visit our showroom Newington Ind Est, Newington, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 7NU
Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney & Prepaid Funeral Plans
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Freephone 0800 612 7459 We come to you. Low cost efficient service. Fully insured. All work underwritten by our legal dept. www.maidstonewills.com
email: services@maidstonewills.com
Lenham Community Centre Card Craft Class Every Friday fortnight from 14th October. The class is £10 which includes all materials etc., plus tea/coffee and biscuits, sometimes cake! For more information call Irene on 07341 343518 or Pauline on 07766 768180 or just pop in for a chat Everyone welcome.
36
Success comes from working together.
Are you missing out? Simon isn’t! “I have been attending the monthly LVBA meetings for nearly 4 years now. In that time, I have found the guest speaker presentations extremely informative and useful for my business. In addition, we have also secured a number of new clients, either fellow members or their contacts, which we simply would not have secured without being a member of the association. All in all, I consider LVBA to be one of our key partners.” Simon Hammond, Morpheus Insurance Solutions.
s a m t s i r h C y r A Mer r a e Y w e N y p p a &aH to Everyone! from LVBA. Some of the LVBA members at last years’ Christmas event at Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham.
! t i e k i l l l ’ u o y t i Try R.O.A.R. Right of admission reserved. Keep up to date & to join www.lenhambusiness.co.uk or call 01622 820841
37
PLATTS HEATH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 3rd December 2016 12pm – 2.30pm Come along and support Platts Heath School whilst enjoying an early Christmas celebration.
We have many different stalls to include: Santa’s Grotto
Tombolas Craft, skill and activity stalls
Face painting and tattoos Hook a Duck and Splat the Rat
Festive bar and BBQ Café with hot drinks and cakes
As well as a fantastic raffle with great prizes!
All welcome. Entry by donation.
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Lenham Surgery Tel: 858341 Mondays to Fridays 8:30am6:30pm. Closed 1-2pm Dispensary 8:30am-6:30pm Closed 12:30-2pm Urgent matters out of hours telephone. 0845 1450121 (66.30pm only) IC24. 111 (from 6.30pm)
39
Tai Chi with the
StuttleDyer
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Decorating
“Mentally and physically grounding. and physically groundin The “Mentally perfect antidote to the pace set by the digital world” The perfect antidote to
also
Bathrooms Kitchens Tiling
Lenham community centre
the pace set by the digital world”
Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm Classes starting in Lenham Formore moreinformation information visit For
Find us on Facebook
www.telisataichi.co.uk Call Theresa : 07734108683
stuttledyer.wordpress.com
Call Dan to arrange a FREE Quotation
Or Contact Theresa Telisataichi@gmail.com
01233 650 726
07734108683
07837 04 66 41
Security and Electrical Services l Alarm systems l CCTV l PAT testing l Fire alarms l Automated gates l Video/audio entry systems l Existing systems maintained & repaired l All electrical work undertaken l Domestic & Commercial installations
V AM A
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41
Christian Message
T
husband, 8 children and 17 other people in a single shipping container. In summer it is too hot and in winter too cold. Lack of sanitation results in diarrhoea
he Bethlehem Carol Sheet
and viruses which rage through the
is familiar to all who attend
household frequently. There is no money
carol services in the Len Valley
for medicines. Al Ahli’s medical mission
churches. It is published by EMBRACE
provides a bus from the surrounding
The Middle East which was formerly
villages to Gaza city so that no one is
known as Bible Lands.
prevented from getting help through lack of transport.
EMBRACE focuses on needs in the Middle East using donated funds to
Several of the most popular Christmas
support Christian communities thus
carols refer to Jesus’ humble birth. Life
enabling them to bring about positive
is no easier for babies born in Gaza
change for many needy people.
now than it was for him. Helped by EMBRACE the Near East Council of
Here are a few examples of the projects
Churches is able to provide Well-Baby
which are benefiting from EMBRACE
clinics. These are a life line for the
funding.
youngest members of society offering vaccinations, medical treatment and
The plight of Gaza (which is mentioned
nutritional support to ensure their
22 times in the Bible) is well known. Gaza
healthy development.
is roughly the size of the Isle of Wight. Two years ago over 2000 Palestinians
Limited space precludes details of
were killed in the 7 week war. Tens of
work with abused women in Egypt and
thousands of houses were wholly or
the distribution of blankets to Syrian
partially destroyed. There was also
refugees in Lebanon. Their publicity
severe damage to hospitals and schools.
describes the work of this profoundly Christian organisation.
Al Ahli hospital’s clinic uses EMBRACE funding to provide medical care. One
A popular carol reminds us of the ‘woes of
patient is Kalila who lives with her
sin and strife’ which surround us today. It
42
goes on to refer to the song of the angels:
Bertha Rose
‘and man at war with man hears not the love song which they bring.’
We are indebted to the family of Bertha
Let’s pray this Christmas that our
Rose who have donated to the Church 2
troubled world will hear the song of the
beautiful pottery flower bowls, inscribed
angels and let’s give thanks for the loving
with her name. These will be used on
work of so many of Christ’s followers.
the organ shelf and corner window sill close to where she liked to sit. Very
Let’s also come together at Christmas
many thanks for these, they are a much
services and encourage each other as we
appreciated memorial.
sing the familiar carols which remind us of the glorious good news of the birth of
Sue Greenwood
Jesus, God’s son, the Prince of Peace. Happy Christmas to all our readers. Joan Drury
St Mary’s Church Flowers and Brass cleaning Flowers for December Join us at Harrietsham Church on December 7 and 14
17/12/16 4-6pm. Come and decorate the
Mrs Jones
Life-sized stable
December 17 Flowers for Christmas
Come dressed as a character from the Christmas story…but where’s
December 21 and 28
the baby and what will he sleep
Mrs Nahab
in??? Refreshments provided – tel 07752172066
43
DO YOU NEED A FAMILY LAWYER? Fixed fee appointment available at times and venues convenient to you. • Collaboratively trained practitioner • Divorce & separation • Pre nuptial agreements • Financial settlements • Children • Cohabitation Please contact our local specialist Rebecca Bell on 01622 231 784 or email rbell@setfords.co.uk
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Court Lodge Manor, Kingsnorth, Ashford TN23 3JE Tel: 01233 612082, email: info@greenmansolar.com, website: www.greenmansolar.com
Greenman Solar have designed and installed over 400 solar arrays in Kent , with nearly 200 on Romney Marsh. Our reputation for quality of service, reliability and honesty are second to none. Don’t take our word for it, read what our customers have to say about us online. We will design and install the best solar array for you, at an unbeatable price. We don’t take a deposit, there will be no pressure to make a decision or sign anything and we fill in all of the paperwork needed to claim the Feed In Tariff for you. A typical 4kW, 16 panel system costs less than £7,000 fully installed, including VAT and scaffolding, there will be no extras. We only install the best modules and inverters (usually German).
Friend or Foe?
F
habitat, it is a serious pest of conifer seed nurseries but as yet it is not considered a pest here. It can grow to
riend of foe? That’s what I
approximately 15-20mm and although
wondered when I saw this
harmless in that it doesn’t bite, sting
impressively sized bug on
or carry any known disease, it can emit
my window sill. Britishbugs.org.
a distasteful odour so is best handled
uk confirmed this rather beautiful,
with rubber gloves. The one I saw was
geometrically styled insect as
probably looking for somewhere to
Leptoglossus occidentalis or western
spend the winter and I was told that
conifer seed bug. It is a native
it won’t harm wardrobes or lofts. So,
of North America according to
at the moment, I am regarding it as a
FERA Science (formerly Food and
rather interesting friend.
Environment Research Agency) accidentally introduced into Europe
Jacky Offen
in 1999 to northern Italy from where it has since spread. In its native
46
Lenham Community Speedwatch
Any drivers doing more than 47mph in a 30mph limit are immediately sent a warning letter by Kent Police. Although Speedwatch started with a large number of volunteers, over the
COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH is a
years many have dropped out, due to
scheme where trained local volunteers
illness and family/work commitments.
monitor traffic speed in the village, at
We need more help.
specific sites approved by Kent Police. The Lenham scheme was set up in July
Could you spare an hour or two, once a
2010 when Lenham Parish Council
month or so, during daylight hours?
bought a Speed Indicator Device
We don’t go out in rain, snow or fog.
(SID). Local volunteers were trained
Visibility & road conditions have to be
by Kent Police, about 15 from Lenham
good.
and a few from Harrietsham. Sites to carry out Speedwatch were inspected,
We usually have three volunteers at a
and approved by the police for
time, to spread the load.
visibility, and safety of both motorists and volunteers.
You will receive any training needed, and will be helping to keep Lenham
During a Speedwatch, details of
safe.
vehicles doing over 35mph are recorded and sent to Kent Police. If
Please contact: Brian Llong – Tel
drivers are recorded more than once
859733
at speeds of between 35 -46mph they are sent an advice letter by the police.
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49
Lenham Parish Council
felled after the Remembrance parade
CO-OPTION INVITATION
the installation of rabbit-proof fencing
At the November meeting we were
around the entire boundary.
pleased to welcome a new member to the
The hedges along the entrance drive to
Council; Cllr. Eleanor Gee. There is now
the cemetery were cut back and the drive
one vacancy for the south ward and we
cleared and made presentable for the well
would welcome parishioners who might
supported Royal British Legion parade
be interested in joining the Council, and
from St Mary’s church to the War Graves
who live in the hamlets of Sandway, Platts
and Memorial section on Remembrance
Heath or Lenham Heath, to consider
Sunday.
on the 13th November; the removal is part of the continuing improvement project which will allow completion of
co-option. The Council has thirteen
MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL LOCAL PLAN
members in total, nine representing the north ward and four from the south ward.
Thank you to all those who attended the
Full details are available from the Clerk.
examination of the MBC Local Plan at the
HAM LANE ALLOTMENTS
Town Hall on 8th November, to hear the
The site meeting to measure the
details of the Lenham Parish sites. The
allotment area with the Land Agent
Neighbourhood Plan Team have devoted
acting for St John Ambulance took
hundreds of hours on the preparation of
place on Friday 4th November. This
statements to present at the MBC Local
will allow heads of terms to be drawn
Plan Examination, and spoke on several
up for discussion. It is hoped that the
issues relating to the parish. Statements
Parish Council will be able to purchase
were prepared covering subjects such
the allotment section of the plot as a
as housing needs, environmental
community asset, which will safeguard
constraints, legal and procedural matters,
the land from future development.
and housing supply. Please continue your support of the
CEMETERY
Neighbourhood Plan Team, who will
The large diseased beech tree in the
make the findings of the examination
south-east corner is scheduled to be
available in the new year, as soon as they
50
are received from MBC.
COMMUNITY SCHEMES GRANT The parish council is pleased to support
THANK YOU
the five groups who applied for a
The Parish Council would like to extend
community schemes grant. The Lenham
gratitude to the team members for
Wanderers Football Club (under 18s)
progressing the Lenham Neighbourhood
were awarded £500 for new kit. The
plan in conjunction with the council.
Len Valley Community Hub received
We intend to press ahead with the case
£300 towards club activities. Lenham
for small scale development in sites as
Baby and Toddler Group will be able to
specified in the Lenham Neighbourhood
purchase equipment with the £250 grant.
Plan. The outcome of the MBC Local Plan
The 60+ Young at Heart Club will be
examination will be vital to the future
receiving £300 towards ongoing costs and
decisions made by the group, as to how we
finally the Lenham Bowls Clubs will be
proceed within the restraints set by the
able to invest in new score boards using
MBC Local Plan.
the £500 grant awarded to the club.
HAM LANE PLAY PARK
CHURCH YARD LIGHTING
The recently installed play equipment
Following an inspection of the church
has been well received by local children
yard flood lights, which have proved
and has added a new dimension to play,
problematic, it was agreed to invest in a
providing more challenging climbing and
new fuse control panel and timer switch,
swinging facilities. It has been reported
the cost being approximately £250.
that on several occasions adults were seen taking dogs in to the play park.
LEN BUS
Please note that dogs are not permitted
The Len Bus facility has now been
in the play park; this is a safe and clean
formally withdrawn and the company
area and it is unacceptable to allow dogs
wound up. Proceeds from the insurance
inside. The large tree at the entrance to
claim of approximately £5,500 will be
the site has been cut back and the crown
transferred to the James Hatch Charity
lifted to enable easy access. Please be
who work with the Lenham Lift Group to
aware the ‘NO DOGS’ rule applies to all
provide transportation throughout the
the parish play areas including Cherry
parish.
Close and William Pitt Field.
51
HIGHWAYS
SEASONS GREETINGS
An initial assessment will be carried
Members of the Parish Council would
out by an approved KCC Highways
like to wish all parishioners a Merry
Consultant of the junction at Ham
Christmas and a Happy New Year. We
Lane and the High Street. The aim of
look forward to working in 2017 to
the survey is to identify possible safety
improve the parish for all residents.
improvements for both pedestrians and motorists in a bid to slow traffic and
Margo McFarlane 01622 859682 (Mon –
improve sight lines.
Friday 9am to 1pm) hello@lenhamparish. org.uk
Special Time of Year
H
Another great event for Lenham is New Years Eve. We are lucky to have our bell ringers back to ring the new year in and many people still come
ow lovely it is to see the
into the square at 11.30 ish to gather
Christmas lights being put
and to do the traditional singing and
up with a dedicated team
holding of hands to “AULD LANG SYNE”
of local people every Sunday morning since October.
Is there anyone who can organise this? The turning on of the Christmas
Many people don’t know the words, or
lights is a big event for Lenham. The
are too shy to join hands.
countdown, the chosen celebrity, the
Please keep this tradition going. It is a
switching on, the Christmas tree,
“unique custom” for our lovely village
the stalls, candy floss, best dressed
of Lenham, let’s keep it going and
window, Father Christmas, not to
build it up to what it used to be.
forget the busy pubs, selling mulled Hannah Beames
wine, chestnuts, and hot dogs.
52
Six Months on from Brexit – How it is affecting the property market here:
T
whether Brexit has had any effect on the local property market. Although I was initially concerned there may be a detrimental effect on the local property market, actually, this has not materialised. Compared to previous years we are currently working in a property market where there are both fewer buyers and sellers but there are still enough people looking to move, keen to
he morning after the EU
compromise in order to secure a deal.
Referendum and regardless
None of our transactions, viewings or
of which way people voted,
market appraisals have been cancelled
Britain, Europe, the world and even
and new appointments and sales are
those in Lenham, Harrietsham and
being made all of the time. In fact,
indeed all of the surrounding area
October was one of the best months of
were left in shock at the news the
the year.
British people had made the huge
Clearly there are some buyers who
decision to leave the European Union.
feel it is just too uncertain for them
The outcome of this historic vote
to move at the moment. They will
saw a number of external events
wait for more certainty or are perhaps
unfold within hours of the votes
hoping for a price adjustment.
being counted. Global stock markets
However, with the continual shortage
plunged, David Cameron resigned as
of properties, record low interest
Prime Minister and sterling fell to a
rates, a growing population, a desire
30 year low against the dollar. There
for people to buy rather than rent and
is nothing the markets dislike more
the influx of people wanting to move
than uncertainty and the EU vote
to this popular area, this suggests the
unleashed considerable instability and
local property market will continue to
nervousness.
remain strong for some time to come.
Nearly six months on there is still
Philip Jarvis Estate Agent
much to be sorted out but people understandably, continue to ask me
53
Church Services Everyone is always welcome to any of our
(Prayer Book)
services or events.
9.30 am Lenham: Breakfast Service 9.30 am Harrietsham: Holy Communion
Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December
11.00 am Ulcombe: Holy Communion 11.00 am Lenham: Morning Worship
Christmas Tree Festival at Harrietsham
3.30 pm Boughton Malherbe: Evensong
Church concluding with a Christingle Service on Sunday at 3.30pm
Thursday 15th December 7.00 pm Ulcombe: Carol Service
Sunday 4th December 9.30 am Lenham: Breakfast service
Saturday 17th December
9.30 am Boughton Malherbe: Holy
4.00 pm Harrietsham Church: Messy
Communion (Prayer Book)
Church
11.00 am Ulcombe: Family Worship 11.00 am Lenham: Holy Communion
Sunday 18th December
3.30 pm Harrietsham: Christingle
9.30 am Lenham: Breakfast service
Service (GIFT family worship)
9.30 am Harrietsham: Morning Worship 11.00 am Ulcombe: Morning Worship
Wednesday 7th December
11.00 am Lenham: Holy Communion
9.30 am Lenham: Holy Communion
3.30 pm Boughton Malherbe: Carol
6.30 pm Harrietsham: Christmas
Service
Celebration.
5.00 pm Lenham: Carol Service
Those with learning disabilities, their
6.30 pm Harrietsham: Carol Service
carers, friends and families are especially welcome.
Wednesday 21st December 10.30am Holy Communion:
Sunday 11th December
Chippendayle Lodge
8.00 am Lenham: Holy Communion
54
Christmas Eve: Saturday 24th December
Bishop Trevor Willmott
3.00 pm Boughton Malherbe: Crib
Communion with Bishop Trevor
Service
Willmott
3.00 pm Lenham: Crib Service
10.00 am Harrietsham: Christmas
4.00 pm Ulcombe: Crib Service
Celebration
5.00 pm Harrietsham: Crib Service
10.00 am Ulcombe: Family Communion
10.00 am Boughton Malherbe: Family
11.15 pm Harrietsham: Midnight Communion
Sunday 1st January
11.15 pm Lenham: Midnight Communion
10.00 am at St. John the Baptist, Harrietsham:
Christmas Day: Sunday 25th December
Joint Len Valley Churches Service: Holy Communion
10.00 am Lenham: Christmas Celebration followed by Holy Communion with
Ellenor
Join us for an evening of traditional Christmas carols and feel the magic of the season.
Ellenor’s mission is to lead and
•
coordinate the best personalised care for
Country Park – Sunday 11 December
all ages, sharing our expertise to ensure
at 11am.
that all families facing terminal illness
A 5km run, walk or ramble around
get the right support in the best place
the woods with mince pies and your
possible, enabling them to make the most
very own Santa hat!
of the time they have.
•
Lights of Love, Ellenor, Gravesend – Sunday 11 December at 2pm
https://ellenor.org/
Dedicate a light on our Christmas tree in memory of a loved one and
Upcoming events: •
Winter Walk, Shorne Woods
join us at our special event when we will switch on the lights to celebrate
Family Carol Service, Christ Church
the lives of those we have lost.
Gravesend – Saturday 3 December at 4pm
55
Christmas Carol Concert
Doors open 6.30 – Concert starts at
In support of Heart of Kent Hospice
make a donation to Heart of Kent
with Peter Brice and his Christmas
Hospice.
Choir St. Mary’s Church West Malling
Drinks and canapes will be available.
7.00 pm Entrance is free. We just ask you to
ME19 6NE. Wednesday 14th December
Looking for an unusual and unique gift for Christmas? Look no further LENHAM TEA TOWEL
by the Lenham Neighbourhood Plan
Limited edition linen union
Group.
The colourful design was chosen from
Cost £6 each or two for £10
many pictures produced
Available at Lenham Village Store and
by local children when they were
Len Valley News
asked to draw
Profits to charity
what they liked best about their village
56
57
A Family Affair
Y
his early experiences there. He attended the college in Tonbridge Road Maidstone together with his
es, this is a ‘father and son’
schoolmate Des Gee to learn the trade.
story about Robert Goodwin
Robert understood woodwork even
and his son, Peter, both of
though he says he was not so keen on
whom have been providing inimitable
his other studies. In 1967 he became
carpentry, joinery and related building
self employed and was soon able to
repair and restoration services in the
employ one or two tradespeople in
Lenham area for nearly 50 years.
carpentry and joinery, working from his workshop on a farm in Sandway.
Some background first about Robert and then how Peter entered the
Now for Peter. He too attended
scene and an interview about his
Swadelands School, and then in 1994
experiences. Robert left Swadelands
he went on to South Kent College
School at 14 eager to take up the offer
in Folkestone, on a day release
of a 5-year apprenticeship with R.M.
basis until 1998, gaining an NVQ3
Brooks of Lenham, and he enjoyed
58
qualification in Bench Joinery. There,
He very much appreciates continuing
as well as enjoying the opportunity
to use and run Robert’s workshop in
to learn the craft, he also earned
Lenham, investing in it for the future.
Highly Commended recognition for
Much of Peter’s work is devoted to
course work from The Worshipful
sourcing quality materials, especially
Company of Joiners & Ceilers, one
timber with which both he and his
of the Livery Companies in the City
father have a special affinity.
of London. In the meantime he had started to work for Robert, assisting
“The learning now,” he explains, “is
with a variety of jobs on typically older
attempting to maintain the balance - a
houses including extensions, loft and
happy customer, a feeling for what to
barn conversions, and bespoke solid
give time to.”
wood kitchens (not to mention the wonderful conservatory they built for
On the personal side: in 2010,
my wife and myself ).
whilst Peter became self-employed, he also became Treasurer of the
Now, some twenty years later Peter
Kent School of Philosophy (www.
reflects on the challenges and
practicalphilosophykent.org) and both
enjoyment of both his professional and
he and his partner, Jules, regularly
personal life.
attend their weekly evening meetings.
Peter’s primary focus now is best
Robert and Peter have contributed
described as ‘traditional, purpose-
a great deal to Lenham over those
made joinery,’ enjoying the constant
(almost) 50 years. So lift your glasses
challenges of work undertaken for
for their Golden Jubilee next year!
individual customers, making all items
Now go for the Diamond please!
to order. “Sometimes,” he says, “I’m attempting to restore period windows
Text by Jim Myers
and doors back to good order, another time making an improved copy of that rotten original, perhaps now with draft seals and conservation glazing.”
59
Game, time to try something different! By GB Lister
G
with another source such as bacon or butter. •
The younger the animal, the more tender!
•
Venison is versatile, use it instead of beef in many recipes
•
Venison is delicious with fruits
ame is a great meat that
like blackberries, plums &
most of us have forgotten!
chocolate!
Farmed & frozen game is
available all year, yet between October
Rabbit
until end of January, you can enjoy
A very lean meat! The taste is a
fresh, tender wild reared meat. Low
stronger version of chicken, and close
in cholesterol, high in protein and
to the taste of free range chicken!
offering great taste combinations;
Slightly sweet, a slight gamey flavour,
game is something to consider for
and soft texture. Joints of rabbit
family meals. It is always a wonderful
include loins, legs, rib, belly, neck,
alternative to offer family on
shoulder and saddle, and the kidneys
Christmas Eve or Boxing Day! Here is
are delicious. Rabbit is usually
our brief guide:
roasted, baked in a pie, or braised in a stew or casserole to keep the meat nice and moist.
Venison A lean, red meat, which is low in fat, yet full of flavour. The most popular
Top tips:
cuts are saddle, loin, fillet and haunch
•
(leg), perfect for roasting. Shoulder,
Ensure the rabbit is at room temperature before cooking.
neck and shin are great to braise, stew
•
or mince
The rabbit will need to rest before carving because of the lean nature of the meat.
Top tips: •
•
Some chefs recommend that stews
Venison fat does not taste good,
& casseroles are cooled and left
and will do nothing for the texture
overnight before reheating for
of the meat. Replace the deer fat
serving. It helps to keep the meat
60
•
juicy.
The lean, gamey meat of a brace of
Flavours to try with rabbit are,
pheasants (a male and female bird)
garlic, rosemary, sage, prunes. Try
makes for a tasty autumnal treat. Legs
tangy mustard, sweet wine and
need to be braised as a lot are sinewy.
cider. Also, try dark chocolate.
Try serving with chestnut mash, sticky honey-roast parsnips, spiky apple
Grouse, Partridge & Pheasant
chutneys or celeriac purée.
Grouse is a rich, tasty, coarse meat
Top tips:
that owes its flavour to the heather
•
These birds need to be kept moist
the birds graze on. A dark deep red
as they have little fat. For a whole
meat which pairs with blackberries,
crown of a game bird, simmer for
beetroot and red wine.
a few minutes before searing and
A whole partridge will feed one
roasting. Wrap in bacon, smear
person! It has a subtle, earthy, flavour.
in butter or regularly baste whilst
Keep cooking simple and grill or
roasting. Always rest before
roast. Serve with a light gravy, autumn
carving!
vegetables, cranberries, apricots or
Haven’t ordered for Christmas? Pre-
prunes. Note: partridges are smaller
order your meat, veg & cheese by
than chicken so do not need to be
downloading our order form now by
cooked as long.
visiting www.lenham-butchers.co.uk/ gb-lister-christmas-pre-order
61
Prize Crossword
Across clues
Down clues
1. Instrument played by Liberace. (5) 4. Instrument played by James Galway. (5) 7. Instruments played by Tommy Dorsey. (9) 8. Instrument played by Ringo Starr. (4) 10. Word describing ‘wet and sticky’. (6) 12. Russian pancakes. (6) 13. A thought. (4) 16. A painful mouth condition. (9) 18. A type of Turkish kebab. (5) 19. A happening. (5)
1. Sat (for a photograph, maybe). (5) 2. To perform on stage. (3) 3. Instrument played by the composer Karl Jenkins. (4) 4. A long bone in the lower leg. (6) 5. Not having an identity. (7) 6. A written work of some length. (5) 9. A mythical animal with a single horn. (7) 11. Instrument played by Australian, Shirley Abicair. (6) 12. Expectant. ‘To wait with ….. breath’. (5) 14. Awake and ready. (5) 15. Adolescent spots. (4) 17. Adam’s partner. (3)
62
Last month’s winner! Previous winner: Jean Waters of Lenham. Please leave your completed crossword entry at Lenham Library on or before the 15th of the month.
and be listed on the site. Visit www.lenhamfocus.co.uk.
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Contact us for more details.
Volume 18 Edition 12 (December 2016) Circulation 2000
and not the publishers. Every care is taken in compiling the contents of the magazine to ensure that they are correct and accurate at the time of printing and the publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions.
Copy Deadline:
5pm 7th of the preceding month. Please leave copy at 24 Maidstone Road, or contact us.
The publication of advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the publishers. Authors of articles and advertisements in Focus take full responsibility to ensure they obtain any prior permission for us.
Focus is Distributed by Volunteers to: Lenham Village, Lenham Heath, Platts Heath, Sandway, West Street, Woodside Green and Warren Street.
For ‘Out of Town’ Readers Distribution:
The Focus can forward any complaint directly to an author of any article which a reader finds displeasing in order for them to respond directly. Every reader has the opportunity to a ‘right of reply’ to publish their view in the Focus as long as a name, committee group or organisation is named.
Lenham Community Centre, Chequers Fish Bar, Lenham Post Office, Len Valley Newsagents and Harrietsham Post Office.
Published by Lenham Focus
Lenham Focus is published by the Lenham Focus Team. Any opinions expressed are those of the contributors
63
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